Our JAG Corps mission is a powerful force enabler: we deliver professional, candid, independent counsel and full spectrum legal capabilities to command and the warfighter. The Air Force, like other Services, operates in an increasingly legalistic environment, which demands nothing less than the very best legal capability it can field. The Air Force JAG Corps supplies that demand with its talented and highly trained group of legal professionals.

Legal Assistance - The USAF Academy, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Community Legal Services staff provides legal assistance to eligible active duty servicemembers, reserve members and guardsmen on federal orders, retirees, and their dependents. Legal assistance is limited to personal, civil matters, and includes trust and estate work, powers of attorney, notarial services, and general legal questions regarding personal civil matters. For general information and to schedule an appointment, visit the USAFA Legal Assistance Website.

Military Justice Actions - The USAF Academy, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Military Justice Division works closely with commanders to handle disciplinary issues. Commanders should consult with the Staff Judge Advocate and the military justice personnel to determine suitable punishments for offenders. We suggest you consult with the Area Defense Counsel at (719) 333-2481, DSN 333-2481 or seek civilian counsel in any criminal matter.

Nonjudicial Punishments - Article 15 of the UCMJ allows commanders to dispose of certain offenses without trial by court-martial unless the service member objects. Service members first must be notified by their commanders of the nature of the charged offense, the evidence supporting the offense and of the commander's intent to impose nonjudicial punishment. The service member may then consult with a defense counsel to determine whether to accept nonjudicial punishment proceedings or demand trial by court-martial. Accepting Article 15 proceedings is not an admission of guilt; it is simply a choice of forum.

Administrative Discharges - Military personnel may be administratively removed from active duty service for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to fitness failures, minor disciplinary infractions, a pattern of misconduct, civilian convictions, and drug abuse. Three forms of discharge are available: Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions (General), and Under Other than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC). Each discharge differs in severity.

Other Disciplinary Actions - Letters of admonishment (LOA), counseling (LOC) or reprimand (LOR); verbal reprimand or admonition; establishing an Unfavorable Information File (UIF); placing the individual on a control roster; or utilizing other disciplinary tools to manage their troops are other disciplinary actions available to the commander. Judge Advocates review such documents or procedures for legal sufficiency of content and format.

Judge Advocate Important Links
USAFA Legal Assistance Website
United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
JAG Website